Spooky season may be almost upon us, but there is nothing scary about Afternoon Tea at the five-star InterContinental Dublin, which is definitely a treat for those who enjoy a leisurely autumnal afternoon of savoury and sweet treats.

For those who like to relax and enjoy the vista of the garden terrace in its full autumn glory, Autumn Afternoon Tea is now being served until 30th November.

Escape the chillier weather and enjoy a sumptuous array of savoury delights and sweet treats created by the hotel’s pastry chef Orna Larkin, in the cosy and luxurious surroundings of the Lobby Lounge or by the fire in the  Reading Room.

Begin with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches including Tomato Bread with Prosciutto; Dubliner Cheese, Rocket and Mayo; Mini Chicken Caesar Wraps; Egg Mayonnaise on Focaccia and mini brioche Lobster Rolls.

Then, indulge in an assortment of decadent bakes and desserts such as the hotel’s infamous  Plain and Raisin Buttermilk Scones served with Clotted Cream and Homemade Mango and Raspberry Preserves; and then the delicious Autumnal creations by the pastry team including Apple Cider Sponge Cake – Apple Jelly, Valrhona Dulcey 35% Chocolate Whipped Ganache; Burnt Milk Crème Bruleé Tart – Twice Baked Sweet Pastry Shell; Pear and Maple Arancini – Maple Vanilla Rice Pudding, Pear Compote, Pear Gel; and  Raspberry, Champagne and Milk Chocolate Entremets –  Raspberry Pannacotta, Champagne Gel.

For those who like a ‘trick or treat’ at Halloween – Autumn Afternoon Tea switches to the ‘spooky side’ for one week only as the hotel’s Halloween Afternoon Tea will be served from 25th October until 3rd November.

Enjoy the range of delicate finger sandwiches and scones and then tantalise your ‘Dracula’ tastebuds with a special Halloween twist including Pumpkin ‘Scary’ Spiced Cheesecake; ‘Bloody’ Blackberry Bakewells; Milk Chocolate ‘Hocus Pocus’ Pannacotta with Raspberry Chantilly and a ‘Broomstick’ Coconut Cocoa Bar with Mango Pannacotta.

Autumn Afternoon Tea and Halloween Afternoon Tea is €62pp; add a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne   – €82pp or a glass of Perrier-Jouët Rosé –  €87pp.

Autumn and Halloween Afternoon Tea are served daily from 12.00pm to 4.30pm. Gluten Free, Vegan and Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available and must be booked in advance.

Booking is essential and subject to availability, see www.intercontinentaldublin.ie to book, or call  01-665 400 or email reservations@icdublin.com